The maritime industry is entering a new era shaped by climate ambition, regulatory transformation, and shifting market expectations. Maritime decarbonization is no longer a distant goal; it’s a pressing challenge that touches every aspect of ship operations, financing, and commercial relationships.
Shipping decarbonization requires immediate action across multiple fronts: regulatory compliance, alternative fuel adoption, and operational energy efficiency improvements. This has accelerated dramatically since 2023, driven by the IMO's updated emission reduction targets and regional frameworks like FuelEU Maritime.
For shipowners and managers, the path forward is complex. It involves navigating a fast-evolving regulatory landscape, evaluating emerging fuels and technologies, and making strategic decisions under uncertainty.
This topic hub outlines the key pathways to maritime decarbonization and the principal considerations relevant to developing your approach.
The pressure is on for the maritime industry to decarbonize and the path forward is complex. To help navigate these challenges, DNV provides up-to-date insights and expert guidance, turning uncertainty into confidence and ambition into action.
Jason Stefanatos
Global Decarbonization Director
DNV
On demand webinar
Maritime Energy Transition Summit 2026
During this virtual event, DNV and a panel of industry experts explored key developments shaping the maritime energy transition, including alternative fuels, energy efficiency solutions, and practical pathways toward more sustainable shipping.
Maritime decarbonization is the process of reducing greenhouse gas emissions from shipping operations to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050 or later, depending on commercial, global, and regional regulatory requirements.
Decarbonization in shipping is increasingly driven by three critical factors:
Global and regional targets and regulations: The IMO's 2023 updated targets mandate 20% emission reductions by 2030, 70% by 2040, and net-zero ‘by or around’ 2050. Regional regulations like FuelEU Maritime and EU ETS are already enforcing compliance mechanisms.
Commercial pressure: Cargo owners and charterers are increasingly demanding lower-carbon transport solutions as part of their ESG commitments and Scope 3 emissions targets. This pressure is reshaping contractual requirements and influencing fleet selection, with decarbonization performance becoming a key factor in securing business. In parallel, access to capital is linked to sustainability credentials, with green financing and sustainability-linked loans requiring credible emission reduction strategies.
Operational benefits: Decarbonization initiatives often result in improved operational efficiency, which can lead to reduced fuel costs, creating immediate business value alongside environmental benefits.
Maritime decarbonization represents both the sector's greatest challenge and its most significant opportunity for transformation.
Decarbonizing shipping involves four main pathways: Regulations, fuels, energy efficiency, and emissions management.
Regulations set the framework for action, with IMO and EU measures such as CII, EEXI, SEEMP III, FuelEU Maritime, and EU ETS driving compliance and shaping investment decisions.
Transitioningto alternative fuels such as LNG, methanol, ammonia, hydrogen, or biofuels can deliver meaningful greenhouse gas reductions when sourced as green variants. Preparing for these future options is essential to ensure compliance and advance sustainability.
Energy-efficiency measures like hull optimization, advanced power systems, and wind-assisted propulsion can deliver immediate reductions in fuel consumption and emissions, supporting both regulatory and commercial goals.
Robust emissions management has become a necessity in an increasingly complex environment, where diverse data requirements demand digital tools for real-time tracking and verified reporting to ensure compliance and enable access to green finance.
Together, these strategies form the foundation for achieving net-zero targets and navigating the industry’s decarbonization journey with confidence.
Some key milestones for maritime decarbonization are approaching, or have already passed, driving industry-wide action:
2025-2026: EU regulations (FuelEU Maritime, EU ETS) fully operational
2028:Earliest possible implementation of the IMO Net-Zero Framework (pending formal adoption)*
2030: 20% emission reduction target vs. 2008 baseline
2040: 70% emission reduction requirement
2050: Net-zero emissions mandate
Understanding these maritime decarbonization milestones is essential for strategic planning and investment decisions.
*The IMO Net-Zero Framework (NZF) is a proposed global regulation introducing well-to-wake GHG intensity limits, compliance credits, and pricing via the IMO Net-Zero Fund. It was approved in principle in April 2025, but the vote to adopt the regulation was adjourned to October 2026, meaning that its earliest possible implementation is now March 2028.
Safety in transition
As shipping adopts new fuels, technologies, and digital systems, safety risks are evolving. Incidents related to machinery damage and failure and fuel handling are on the rise, driven by unfamiliar technologies.
What are the key safety challenges in maritime decarbonization?
New fuels such as ammonia and hydrogen introduce unique hazards, requiring updated safety frameworks, crew training, and operational protocols. A proactive safety culture – one that integrates human, organizational, and technological factors – is essential to managing these risks effectively.
For more details on the safety challenges in the Maritime industry visit: Maritime safety hub
Financing decarbonization
Access to capital is increasingly linked to environmental performance with emissions management data playing a central role in financing decisions. Initiatives like the Poseidon Principles are reshaping how ship finance is assessed, with emissions reporting and lifecycle analysis becoming standard practice.
Sustainability-linked loans and green bonds are gaining traction, offering new opportunities for shipowners who can demonstrate credible decarbonization strategies.
Understanding how your fleet performs against these benchmarks is becoming a prerequisite for investment.
Decarbonization is not a challenge any one company can solve alone. Industry-wide collaboration is accelerating innovation, shaping regulatory frameworks, and building confidence in emerging technologies.
Joint industry projects, think tanks, and regional initiatives are helping to close knowledge gaps and support first movers. Participating in these efforts can provide valuable insights and help de-risk strategic decisions.
Looking ahead
Decarbonizing shipping is a multi-decade journey that will require bold decisions, continuous adaptation, and a willingness to engage with uncertainty. For shipowners and managers, the challenge is not just technical – it’s strategic. Understanding the full scope of the transition and identifying the right mix of solutions for your fleet is the first step. The industry is moving fast. Staying informed, connected, and proactive will be key to navigating the road ahead. At DNV we are proud to support the industry on its journey and help turn uncertainty into confidence.
